CORNWALL, Ontario – Molly Mu has a family in China – but she’s also got a Canadian mom.
Mu, 20, has spent the last four years in Canada, initially as a Canada Homestay Network client, and now as a civil engineering student at the University of Waterloo.
Her Canadian mother is Brenda Manning, who also happens to be a relationship manager with Canada Homestay.
Manning said Mu’s story is not unlike other students who spend time here in Canada, progressing through high school and learning English along the way.
“It’s the language of business,” she said, pointing to the fact that many of the parents of Homestay students operate their own companies, and look to their children to succeed them in the world of commerce.
But beyond the logic of the move, and the bottom line, relationships are fostered.
Lise Brisson, a senior who opened her home to boys from South America, said the connections she ha made will last a lifetime.
“Every day, when they went to school, began with a hug,” she said. “I have no regrets. It brings me something that I wouldn’t normally have. I really enjoy it.”
There will be nearly 100 students from overseas learning at Upper Canada District School Board facilities in its east region. the number balloons to about 350 if one factors in the entire board jurisdiction.
Manning said the students hail from far off places like Spain, Columbia, Germany and even the Canary Islands.
In the case of Mu, Xinjiang, China is home – but only when she’s actually there. Canada has become her adopted homeland.
“The most important thing about being in Canada is the creativity,” she said. “In china we sit in the classroom a lot…it limits your creativity.
“Here we get to talk to our teachers, and join clubs.”
And the program helps broaden the horizons for Canadians as well.
Kristin Cornish, another mom who has hosted overseas students, said her biological children have benefitted.
“They learn a lot about other cultures and experiences,” she said. “My kids stayed in touch with the other kids when they go home.”
More information on hosting overseas children can be found at whyihost.ca, and canadahomestaynetwork.ca.
